§ 8

If occasion demands it, each Commune throughout the country is empowered to send its chief and such officers as he may select to meet together in conference in any one of the chief cities of Britain. This extreme measure would probably only apply in times of a national crisis, such as possible war or unruly conduct as strikes or other disorder imperilling the well-being of a peaceful and industrious majority. Everything that works for unanimity, but without weakness, seems to be becoming natural. The artificial conditions, most disastrous in their effect, of tyrannical Trades Unions, have given way under a return to Guilds. The painters, craftsmen of all descriptions, and the best class of tradesmen are under certain elastic laws appertaining to their profession or business. There are no such mischievous people as Strike Leaders; long ago they proved failures, and the workmen became aware of the damage they had done to their reputation and threw them over. They did so directly it was brought home to them that their leaders were really tyrants. The Guilds encourage good work, as the Trades Union leaders of the past encouraged bad; indeed, they have it in their powers to impose a fine on bad work, if continued to be issued after warning has been given or a fine paid. The guilds can expel an idle delinquent as an unworthy citizen. As far as one could learn, that punishment, so far, has had to be carried into effect very rarely, because workmen and craftsmen of all kinds now recognise the wisdom of being honest in their own interest, i.e., for good pay to give good work.